Libyan forces battle Islamic State in Sirte

Saturday, July 02, 2016 - 01:16

Libyan forces fighting Islamic State street by street for control of the coastal city of Sirte say they are disappointed with the lack of support from the international community. Diane Hodges reports.

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Government troops, aided by other fighters, battle for control in the city of Sirte.
Slowly, they're pushing back the forces of Islamic State.
After two months, they've retaken the city's harbor and part of the center of what was the hometown of former leader Moammar Gaddafi.
The fighters are trying to clear out snipers and landmines, as well as booby-traps strapped to corpses in the street and in houses.
But this soldier is upset with what he believes are broken promises from western governments.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) LIBYAN SOLDIER, NASSER, SAYING:
"To our great dismay, the West has failed us. They said they would support the unity government, but once the government was formed and settled in place, these words became no more than ink on paper."
Western powers say they'll contribute as soon as the Libyan government asks for help.
But the U.N.-backed unity government is struggling, and political infighting is delaying decisions.
A specific request for exemptions to a U.N. arms embargo has yet to emerge.
Meanwhile, the battle for Sirte goes on.